Endorsed by Éric Lucas and Jennifer Heil, Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation Winter Triathlon raises $526,637

The BOS team takes home the Pierre Boivin trophy

MONTREAL, Feb. 3, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Eighty-one teams consisting of well-known business people, athletes and entertainers took part today in a friendly competition of skating, running and cross-country skiing today, as part of the sixth annual Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation Winter Triathlon. Endorsed by Pierre Boivin, Éric Lucas and Jennifer Heil, and hosted by Julie du Page, the event raised $526,637.

The money raised will be used to fund new laboratories for Dr. Guy Rouleau, an internationally recognized researcher who has made breakthrough discoveries in identifying many of the genes responsible for neurological and psychiatric diseases. Following construction of the new neuroscience labs at the Sainte-JustineUHC research centre, Dr. Rouleau will be able to conduct his research close to his patients, with the goal of finding better treatments for such conditions as autism, schizophrenia, Tourette's syndrome and intellectual disabilities.

Since the first edition in 2007, the Sainte-Justine Winter Triathlon has raised more than $1,826,637. Since it was created, the Young Leaders Circle, which organizes the event, has donated more than $4,826,000 to the Foundation.

"It's amazing to see to what degree the business community rallies behind this cause year after year," said France-Élaine Duranceau, president of the Young Leaders Circle. "The Triathlon is always a unique opportunity to come together. It's a not-to-be-missed event where young professionals, entrepreneurs and partners pool their energy and strive to excel—both athletically and philanthropically!"

The Winter Triathlon, presented by Club Med, comprises four categories: elite, men, women and mixed. The winners in the elite category are Barsalou Lawson and Skimco 1. The mixed category was won by Barsalou Lawson and Skimco 2. The winning men's team is Gaz Métro M, and the winning women's team is Gaz Métro F.

The Pierre Boivin Challenge
Since it was established in 2009, the Pierre Boivin Challenge has made a significant contribution to the growth of the Winter Triathlon, raising more than $676,924. The formula is simple: each team registered for the Triathlon is encouraged to canvas their colleagues, friends and family members for donations in order to compete for the Pierre Boivin trophy. This year, the Pierre Boivin Challenge alone raised $296,924. The BOS team was awarded the Pierre Boivin trophy for raising $34,801.

The seventh edition of the Winter Triathlon to benefit the Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation, organized by the Young Leaders Circle, will take place on Friday, February 1, 2013. For more information: www.triathlon-sainte-justine.org.

This event is made possible with financial support from Club Med, Groupe Park Avenue, BFL Canada, National Bank, Krispy Kernels, Lolë, SMS Équipement, as well as several other sponsors, suppliers and donors.

Young Leaders Circle
The Young Leaders Circle comprises young professionals who put their energy and networks to work for the Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation. They raise funds to ensure that mothers and their children receive the best possible care. The Circle organizes four annual fundraisers: the Winter Triathlon, the Mont-Royal Ball (March 30, 2012), the Mont-Royal Gala (March 30, 2012), the Urban Duathlon (May 30, 2012) and Lighting the Way (November 2012).

Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation
The Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation has a mission to ensure the continued leadership of Sainte-Justine UHC, the only university hospital devoted exclusively to providing healthcare to children, adolescents and mothers in Quebec. To do so, the Foundation develops partnerships between the UHC and its donors in order to build a legacy for the future.

Andréane Beaumier
Young Leaders Circle
514-345-4941 ext. 5221
[email protected]